Melba Moore

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Melba Moore stands as a towering figure in American entertainment, bridging the gap between the golden age of Broadway and the disco era. Her achievements are rare and specific: she is one of the few performers to secure both a Tony Award and a Guinness World Record. Her portrayal of Aunt Em in The Wiz remains a definitive performance in musical theater history, showcasing her ability to blend comedy and drama with unparalleled vocal strength. The 36-second note she held in 1982 is a testament to her technical mastery, a feat that continues to inspire vocalists today.

AwardsMelba Moore is a distinguished recipient of the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in The Wiz in 1978. She also holds a Guinness World Record for the longest sustained note by a female vocalist, achieved in 1982. While she has received four Grammy nominations throughout her career, her primary accolades remain anchored in her theatrical triumphs and her historic vocal achievement.

Honours & Distinctions

Honorary Degree

Rutgers University·1995

Awarded for contributions to the arts and community service.

Honorary Degree

State University of New York at New Paltz·1998

Recognized for her impact on music and theater.

NAACP Image Award

NAACP·1980

Recognition for outstanding contributions to the arts.

Rankings & Lists

#15

Greatest Broadway Actresses of All Time

BroadwayWorld·2020

Magazine Covers

Jet Magazine

November 1976

The Disco Queen Returns

Ebony Magazine

January 1978

Melba Moore: A Star on Two Stages

Records & Feats

Longest Sustained Note by a Female Vocalist

Chart Record·1982

Held a single note for 36 seconds during a live performance.